Bump-and-go trolleys on grades -- how steep is too steep?

The MTH Trolleys do not have traction tires. I ran one on my club module last year, which was on a grade. Don't remember how much of a grade but it struggled on the up hill portion. I have two Bump and Gos on my layout, both flat/level track.

The Lionel, unless it has been modified, is substantially lighter than the MTH but does have a traction tire or two. You may have better success with one of those. I had one and it did not last long. I find the MTH bump and gos a bit more durable despite preferring the look of the Lionel.

Allow me to add a little to this but not change the essential question. I bought a bump and go trolley that worked OK most of the time but was too light to be reliable. At any speed necessary for effective operation it would intermittently derail itself on a bump terminus and hang up, often tripping the Z-1000 breaker. To add weight seemed to put a strain on the motor. So, weight and reliability of the trolley along with grade complete the equation. I am told that some of the earlier Lionel trolleys were heavier and might work better. Also, my store techie had high praise for Bowser trolleys but apparently they lack the bump and go reversing feature which I too require.  His opinion, not mine, is that there are not really and great trolleys with reliable bump and go action available on the modern market. I will wait patently with the OP to see what you all have to say. Great thread - thanks !

Michael Hokkanen posted:

I bought a bump and go trolley that worked OK most of the time but was too light to be reliable.

Michael, what kind of trolley was that?

Great information, thanks to both of you!

WAs there a comcrete response to the grade question.  Perhaps 1/2 % with a flat section or maybe even a small hump near the bottom to slow it down?

I too am building a city to mountain trolley. It will start out as an above ground trolley and rise only slightly. Enough to provide the illusion of a climb.

Above ground = raised like the “L” in Chicago

All my MTH bump and go cars do, in fact have traction tires.    As for a grade, they should be able to handle, say, a Lionel trestle set from ground to raised level without any due strain.  

@bajinnova posted:

Michael, what kind of trolley was that?

I'm going to guess a modern Lionel Birney, as they do tend to be light.   I addressed this issue by adding flattened fishing weights on the undersides of the roofs.

Hope this helps!

Mitch